When preparing to care for an elderly loved one, either in their home or your own, it is important to make sure that as much of the house as possible is safe for them to move around in (if they 
can), and safe for them to live in. Let’s take a look at some of the ways to keep the home safe for our elderly loved ones.
First of all—the bathroom. Since we lose the strength in our extremities first as we get older, the fact that bathrooms contain lots of moisture, slick surfaces, and nowhere soft to land if we fall, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in a home. Even just trying to get on or off the toilet can be dangerous for an elderly person, let alone trying to get into or out of the shower. Doctors will often recommend an elevated seat with armrests for extra support. However, even models that can be clamped into place won’t work well if the person is overweight. Instead, a better model is one that combines both the seat and armrests with a hydraulic lift that can be used as a bedside toilet.
Grab bars are a must for the tub or shower, and there are even suction grab bars that have armrests that are portable, sturdy, medically safe, and won’t cause holes in your walls. These range in price from $65-$140, which is less than hiring someone to install something for you. Those less than $65 tend to be more dangerous, as they can lose suction, so be cautious!
For the person who has trouble staying in bed, the Standers EZ Adjust Bed Rail might do the trick since it’s quite simple to install and use, and can be adjusted to three different lengths.
The Sonic Boom Alarm Clock series comes in a variety of styles uses a number of features that are specifically for keeping even heavy sleepers from missing their alarm. Such features include a bed-shaker that shakes enough to wake them up, to adjustable alarm volumes ranging from “subtle” all the way to “wake the neighbors,” and most clocks also have battery power backups in case the power goes out.
If you have any questions about these or any other concerns regarding home safety for the elderly, the professionals at Scott Counsel will be happy to assist you in answering them and, most importantly, alleviating your fears.
If you or someone you love needs assistance with Elder Care law issues, call 856-281-3131. Let us help ease your stress and give you a plan.